Marston schoolchildren catch knitting bug (From Oxford Mail)

Marston schoolchildren catch knitting bug

7:30am Monday 29th November 2010 in News By Rhianne Pope

CHILDREN are swapping computers for knitting needles in one Oxford school, after being introduced to what teachers hope will become a new craze called knitted graffiti.

Pupils at St Nicholas Primary School, in Old Marston, have been taking their knitted art outside, covering a tree in the school playground with their bright woollen patterns.

The concept originated in the US, where it is known as ‘yarn bombing’.

Knitters have been known to cover lamp-posts, roadsigns and even an entire bus.

It was introduced to pupils at St Nicholas by mum-of-two Katie Taylor, who started knitting when she was pregnant with daughter Molly, now in Year Four.

Mrs Taylor said: “I’ve been completely taken by surprise by how this has taken off among pupils at the school.

“So many children are getting involved and knitting for our tree project. The group is an even split of boys and girls.

“Teachers are joining in, and when children take it home, their parents are helping out too.”

She added: “We need to keep traditional pastimes such as knitting going and pass them on through the generations.

“Ideas like knitted graffiti bring a modern twist to a timeless skill and it’s helping to get children really excited.”

Taking part was pupil Dexter Brown, 10. He said: “I really enjoyed knitting graffiti.

“It was great to put to use skills you had learned, and to be taught some new ones too. It was also great because I wasn’t the only boy.”

The knitting club runs once a week after school and currently has 15 children, with more expected to join.

Headteacher Rachel Crouch said: “It’s such a nice thing to have both boys and girls working together.

“It’s something to see adults practicing knitting these days, let alone children, but it has become really successful.”

She added: “It’s only a small club at the moment, but since people saw the decorated tree, everyone wants a go.”